After stroke, brain tissue has up to six minutes to live

Q: I recently read that strokes were becoming more common with younger people. What is a stroke and the risk factors?

Q: I recently read that strokes were becoming more common with younger people. What is a stroke and the risk factors?

A: During a stroke, also known as a cerebral vascular accident (CVA), the blood supply to a portion of the brain is interrupted. Brain tissue needs oxygen to survive and function. The oxygen is brought to the brain by red blood cells via a network of arteries.

The most common stroke is where a blood clot forms in the artery of the brain or somewhere else in the body, such as the heart, and then travels to the brain. The clot lodges in the smaller brain artery and limits the blood flow, thus robbing oxygen from that part of the brain. Within four to six minutes, the brain tissue affected will start to die.

In another, less common type of stroke, the brain artery actually ruptures and blood rushes into the surrounding brain tissue, causing swelling and damage to brain tissue. This is called a cerebral hemorrhage and is dangerous.

There are a number of factors that put people at risk for a stroke. Some of the more common ones are high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity and high cholesterol. Getting treatment for these risk factors decreases the possibility of having a stroke.

It is important for you to recognize when a stroke is occurring, because time is a critical factor in a successful outcome. Brain tissue starts to die within minutes, and it is imperative that treatment to open that artery and stop the stroke be administered as soon as possible in order to minimize brain damage.

The signs and symptoms of stroke often develop suddenly and then temporarily improve or slowly worsen, depending upon the type of stroke and area of the brain that is affected.

Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of a stroke, so you can get help immediately.

Time: Time is of the essence in stroke treatment. The sooner treatment starts, the better the chances for recovery.

Signs and symptoms of a stroke may be similar to other medical conditions. The only way to know for sure is to be evaluated by a health-care provider who is experienced in providing emergency care to people such as in an emergency room of a hospital. Anyone who thinks they might be having a stroke should call for emergency medical attention by dialing 911. Those who may be having a stroke should not drive to the hospital and should not ask someone else to drive them, but again, call for an ambulance. Every minute is important in getting the right treatment to restore normal brain function.

Marc Keuler, M.D., is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He practices at PMC Associates: Internal Medicine at the Mountain Healthcare Center in Tobyhanna.